Wind Correction & Ground Speed
Compute wind correction angle (WCA), true heading, crosswind/headwind components, and expected ground speed.
Time, Distance & Fuel
Classic E6B planning for estimated enroute time and fuel required.
Tip: Complete the wind calculation first to auto-fill your ground speed for more realistic planning.
What Is an E6B Calculator?
An E6B is a pilot’s flight computer used to solve the core math of navigation and performance planning. The classic round “whiz wheel” does this mechanically, while a digital E6B calculator does the same thing with formulas. Both are designed to answer questions like:
- What heading should I fly to stay on course?
- How fast will I move across the ground with this wind?
- How long will the leg take?
- How much fuel will I burn, including reserve?
How This e6b calculator Works
1) Wind Triangle Solution
The wind triangle combines your desired course, true airspeed, wind direction, and wind speed. From that, we calculate:
- Wind correction angle (WCA): How many degrees left/right to crab into the wind.
- Heading to fly: Desired course adjusted by WCA.
- Crosswind component: Side force from left or right.
- Headwind/tailwind component: Wind helping or hurting groundspeed.
- Ground speed (GS): Real speed over the earth.
2) Time, Distance, Fuel
After you know ground speed, the rest is straightforward E6B math: time equals distance divided by speed, and fuel equals time multiplied by burn rate. The calculator also adds reserve fuel so your total planning number is more practical.
Why Pilots Still Learn E6B Methods
Modern avionics are excellent, but training with E6B logic builds judgment. If you can estimate heading, groundspeed, and fuel by hand, you’re far less likely to be surprised in flight. This is especially valuable in cross-country flying, weather deviations, and any situation where conditions change rapidly.
Step-by-Step Example
Suppose you plan a leg with the following values:
- True airspeed: 120 knots
- Course: 090°
- Wind: 240° at 18 knots
- Distance: 185 NM
- Fuel burn: 9.5 GPH
- Reserve: 45 minutes
Enter the wind values first and compute your heading and ground speed. Then use that ground speed in the time/fuel section. You’ll get an estimated enroute time, trip fuel, reserve fuel, and total planned fuel.
Best Practices for Real Flight Planning
- Use current winds aloft, not just surface METAR wind.
- Keep units consistent: knots, nautical miles, gallons per hour.
- Round conservatively and add a practical margin for taxi and delays.
- Recalculate in flight if winds differ from forecast.
- Always follow your training, POH/AFM limits, and regulatory reserves.
Important Note
This tool is for education and quick planning support. It is not a replacement for approved navigation sources, official weather briefings, aircraft performance charts, or pilot-in-command decision-making. Treat it as a backup calculator, not your only source of truth.